Uncertainty over travel and concerns with heightened security in the nation's capital since the outset of the military action against Iraq has prompted the American Horse Council to cancel its annual convention, scheduled April 5-8 in Washington, D.C.

A statement from the AHC said attempts will be made to reschedule the convention, but no alternative date has been selected.

"This decision was not an easy one," the AHC statement said, "but our primary concern is for our members to have a safe, productive, successful, and enjoyable convention experience."

An AHC staff member said many people had cancelled their trips to the convention before the decision was made on March 21 to scrap the annual gathering. The cancellations included members of Congress, who are keeping a much lower public profile since the conflict with Iraq began.